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Fri 13 Nov 2026 EN
· Desk editor: Daniel Mercer · · Single source ·Updated

Seagate revives hybrid storage for new 20TB FireCuda Forge drive

Seagate is launching a new external hard drive that combines mechanical storage with an optional NVMe SSD to mimic solid-state speeds.

Seagate is reviving a 20-year-old technology to turn its newest 20TB HDD into a pseudo-SSD — but it won't come cheap
File photo Seagate is reviving a 20-year-old technology to turn its newest 20TB HDD into a pseudo-SSD — but it won't come cheap Photo: TechRadar

FireCuda Forge uses hybrid caching system

The new FireCuda Forge device merges conventional magnetic storage with a separately purchased NVMe flash memory unit. This setup allows frequently accessed files to move automatically onto faster solid-state storage via the Alkemi platform. Sequential read speeds reach up to 2,500MB/s while write speeds hit 2,000MB/s for the complete system. Users must insert their own compatible M.2 drive into a dedicated slot on the external enclosure.

Old technology returns with modern twist

Hybrid drives first appeared about twenty years ago when manufacturers sought to bridge performance gaps between disks and flash memory. Seagate previously developed the Momentus 5400 PSD hybrid drive in 2007 using similar principles of combining mechanical and flash storage. The current model applies this principle with a new approach that monitors file activity to determine optimal data placement. Among the target buyers for this tool are players with large collections and makers of complex media tasks.

Customers must buy separate SSD component

Seagate fails to provide the NVMe SSD needed for operation, so customers need to buy and fit a compatible drive on their own. Lance Ohara, VP of Edge IoT Marketing at Seagate, stated that external storage previously forced users to choose between speed or scale. This fresh setup seeks to offer players and developers the advantages of two realms within a single smartly controlled device. The supported operating systems are Windows 11 and macOS 26 or later, accessed via USB4 connectivity.

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